Q&A with Donna Coulling

Helena recently sat down for a question and answer session with her PA, Donna Coulling. They chatted about Helena’s upcoming film The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet, read the interview below!

How and why did you become involved in this project?
Because I loved it and Jean-Pierre has always been my dream director. And frankly if he’d asked me to do a commercial for furniture polish I’d have done it. Plus he emailed and asked me, and I love him.

How much input do you prefer to have over the portrayal of a character? Is this harder to do with a character already established in a book?
No because if there is already a book there is a lot of information to draw on. If the character inspires you and the more coloured and nuanced they are the more details and ideas it gives you.

What preparation did you do for the role?
I learnt about beetles. (Given I don’t like insects this was a big thing – particularly handling maggots…). Read the books, got into science – looked at the world through an empirical lense. But she was also absent-minded and a dreamer. I didn’t have to research that…

Did you keep any of the props?
The insect belt – it’s a collectors belt for samples. I really wanted the diary, in fact Jean-Pierre and I had a fight over the diary – he got the original and I ended up with a photocopy.

What do you feel about the use of 3D brings to the film?
I’ve never seen 3D used in this way before it’s used not as an add on but is integral to the subject matter. It explores inside the boys head. Almost what it must be like to be literally inside someone’s head. It’s also like going to Canada on holiday, giving you a sense of space and being taken away without having moved from your chair.

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Charity Spotlight

Broaden Out Their Horizons is an educational charity that aims to provide life-changing experiences for young people around the world who would otherwise not have that opportunity. Helena is the founding patron of BOTH and works closely with the charity to raise funds and promote the charity’s work.

Refuge provides specialist support and for women, children, and men who have experienced domestic and other forms of violence. They also operate a 24-hour national domestic violence helpline in partnership with Women’s Aid. Helena has been a long-time supporter of the charity, participating in charity walks, and fronting their Care or Control campaign.

Latest Projects

The Crown2018

Princess Margaret

Filming

A Netflix original following the political rivalries and romance of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, and the events that shaped the second half of the 20th century.

The true story of a stray dog who joins his new master on the battlefields of the First World War. For his valorous actions, Sgt. Stubby is still recognized as the most decorated dog in American history. (via IMDb)

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Helena Online in an unofficial, non-profit website run by dedicated fans, for the fans. We are in no way affiliated with Helena, her family or her representatives, nor do we have any contact with the aforementioned. All original graphics and content belong to Helena Online. We do not claim to own any of the pictures in our gallery, unless otherwise stated, or any of the videos displayed on the site. Photos are uploaded for non-commercial purposes. All images and content belong to their rightful owners and no copyright infringement is intended. If any of the content belongs to you and you wish for it to be removed, do not hesitate to contact us. All requests for the removal of content made by the rightful copyright owner will be granted.